Question:  Can you check the status of my fingerprints for me after you’ve submitted them?

Answer:  This is a two-part answer:  (1)  The RCMP will only allow us to check the status of your request if you have authorized the RCMP to submit the results of your criminal record check to us (in this case we’d be happy to check the status of your request once it is overdue).  (2) Due to privacy issues, if you are having the results go to you or a Third Party other than us, you will have to contact the RCMP directly to check the status.   The RCMP will not allow us to check the status of your request on your behalf.  If you wish to check the status of your fingerprints, contact sue@canadianlegal.org and we will send to you an email that had already been prepared for you, that you can copy, paste and email to the RCMP.

Question:  What happens if the results are lost in the mail?

Answer:  The results are mailed out directly by the RCMP to the address you designate.  If the results are lost in the mail by Canada Post, you will need to be re-fingerprinted and usual fees and disbursements will apply. The RCMP processes over 10,000 requests monthly.  If you are our client, we will reduce our fee to $25.00 + GST (plus $25 RCMP fee, if applicable).

Question:  What happens if I have requested the wrong background check?

Answer:  You will need to be re-fingerprinted and the usual fees and disbursements will apply.   It is the responsibility of the party asking you to get a background check to be clear as to the type of request they want for your particular purpose.

Question:  What can delay the processing of my fingerprints?

Answer:  Typically, you will receive the results within 3 weeks if you have no criminal record within 8 weeks if you have a criminal record. RCMP processing times can fluctuate at any time without notice.  We can only give you our best guess at the time of the appointment. It can also take longer if you have hard-to-read fingerprints or there is an arrest warrant out for you or someone with a similar name and date of birth (and the RCMP has not yet been able to determine if your fingerprints match the person for whom the warrant concerns).  Other reasons for delay can include: RCMP staffing issues, postal-strike, they have an unusually high volume of requests, world-events, etc.

Question: Can other fingerprint agency provide faster processing times?

Answer:  No, they cannot.  We all use the same system.  The RCMP processes all requests on a first come first serve basis. 

Question:  My fingerprints have been rejected due to poor quality.  Do I get a refund?

Answer:  We have no control over the quality of your fingerprints. Poor quality is strictly related to people who have lots of wrinkles, scars or cracking on their fingertips, their fingerprints are worn, fingers are deformed or missing or the applicant has severe sweating issues.  Simply, the machine cannot read your fingerprints.  Additional charges will apply if your fingerprints can not be recognized by the digital fingerprint machine and your fingerprints must be processed manually as we will have to take multiple sets digitally and by ink.  Check Unclassified Fingerprints to learn what you need to do if your fingerprints are not legible.

Question:  If my fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality, what do you suggest?

Answer:  Come back another day to be re-printed.  Massage your fingerprint (top 1/3 of the finger) with moisturizer several times daily and drink lots of water.  If you do a lot of dishes or cleaning be sure to wear gloves.  Wear gloves in cold weather. Refrain from activities that damage the quality of your fingerprints (i.e. rock climbing, playing the guitar).  If you have sweaty hands, we’ll provide you with an icepack to help cool them down during your appointment.

Question: I no longer need the background check. Can I get a refund?

Answer:  You cannot get a refund after we have taken your fingerprints as we still have completed the work.

Question:  What happens if I move before the results are mailed to me?

Answer: You should have mail forwarding in place. If the results are returned to the RCMP because you have moved, the RCMP will destroy the report and you’ll have to be re-fingerprinted and usual fees and disbursements apply.

You should have mail forwarding in place. If the results are returned to the RCMP because you have moved, the RCMP will destroy the report and you’ll have to be re-fingerprinted and usual fees and disbursements apply.

Question:  Can I get a duplicate copy of my search results from the RCMP?

Answer:  The RCMP will only mail out one search result per request.  If you need two original search results, you will need to be fingerprinted twice and you will need to pay for each set.

Question:  I need another report. Can you resubmit my fingerprints?

Answer: The fingerprint system does not allow us to re-use or keep your fingerprints. This is for your protection.  You will need to attend our office and be re-fingerprinted.  Usual fingerprinting fees and disbursements will apply.

Question: How long is the background check good for?

Answer:  We do not know the answer. It is up to the organization requesting the background check to decide how old they will allow the background check to be.

More questions?  Email:  fingerprinting@canadianlegal.org